“Grad tidings are sad tidings” (Dec. 26) takes note of the highly promising CUNY ASAP program at six community colleges, which has successfully boosted three-year graduation rates to substantially more than double the average at urban institutions.
This program has attracted national attention for its innovative curriculum, student advisement and support system and focus on earning degrees.
Efforts are already under way to expand ASAP, offering even greater numbers of associate-degree students the pathway to a successful collegiate experience.
Jay Hershenson, senior vice chancellor for university relations, CUNY
Pensions & power
While I firmly believe that our first responders deserve increased benefits for their heroic service at the World Trade Center on 9/11, The Post’s observation about the connection between lawmakers and the courts is extremely important (“Pension Pay Day,” Editorial, Dec. 30).
Our federal and state constitutions mandate a separation of powers to prevent abuse and to preserve liberty. That was severely compromised in 2009 when Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver engineered the appointment of his childhood crony, Jonathan Lippman, as the state’s chief judge.
With his compliant stooge at the helm of the courts, Silver controls two-thirds of state government, which solidifies his power and makes him more valuable to affluent supporters.
The issue of public-employee pensions is dwarfed by the fact that political opportunists like Silver and Lippman have brazenly corrupted state government for their own benefit at public expense, without repercussion or consequence.
Charles T. Compton, The Bronx
Papa’s pet problem
Why the surprise? We have a president who wants to control everything from medical care to gun ownership (“Washington vs. Hemingway Cats,” Jonah Goldberg, PostOpinion, Dec. 31).
Has President Obama ever been to Key West? Being dressed up is considered sneakers and no socks with formal wear.
Except for a random complainer, does he think those beautiful cats with extra toes — might we say “extraconstitutional” — must be caged for the safety of all?
John Brindisi, Manhattan
Bloomberg 2.0
With the mayor’s considerable influence behind her, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is already putting together her administration and making deals with NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly (“Christine’s Ray of Hope,” Jan. 2).
Her close friends are probably already calling her Mayor Quinn.
The last thing we need is for the mayor’s handpicked successor to continue his pattern of flouting our constitutional freedoms when they conflict with his personal opinions.
Quinn has already shown a penchant for this behavior by trying to shut down a Chick-fil-A restaurant because she disagreed with the views of the franchise’s president.
Mayor Bloomberg bought two terms, then stole another one. Now he wants to continue his reign by proxy.
Gary Taustine, Manhattan
Praise for a pundit
John Podhoretz outlines this conservative issue perfectly (“Conservatives Gone Wild,” PostOpinion, Jan. 4).
One could only wish for more sensible commentary of this sort, rather than the mindless bashing that is characteristic of most op-eds on the left and right.
Chris Armstrong, Tiburon, Calif.
Grads’ high score
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Grads’ high score
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